Oxford United are believed to be closing in on Kidderminster striker Matthew Barnes-Homer.

But a potential ‘fee’ for the could 23-year-old be a stumbling block.

Barnes-Homer and Justin Richards were outstanding for Harriers last season, notching 42 goals evenly between them.

Richards, who had a spell with Oxford in 2007-8, joined League two club Cheltenham earlier this month, and Barnes-Homer is similarly out of contract and keen to better himself.

But because he is under 24, Kidderminster are entitled to compensation for Barnes-Homer’s ‘development’.

United chairman Kelvin Thomas and Kidderminster chairman Barry Norgrove have discussed what compensation might be needed, but are understood to be some way apart in their valuations.

Manager Chris Wilder confirmed United’s interest last night.

“We’ve made an inquiry and spoken to a few people about him,” said the U’s boss.

“We were interested, but for us to get him out of Kidderminster, there would need to be compensation and that may be a problem.”

Thomas confirmed: “There has been discussion with Kidderminster with regard to Barnes-Homer, but we’re not convinced we’re going to be able to conclude the deal.

“We’re very comfortable with the two strikers (James Constable and Jack Midson) we have at the moment.”

Starting off at Aldershot five years ago, Barnes-Homer began in midfield and joined Wycombe Wanderers in 2007, but stayed at Adams Park for just four months before Kidderminster signed him.

It’s in the past year that he has really flourished. He scored the winner when Kiddy beat Oxford United 1-0 at Aggborough last September and he has now hit 25 goals in just 57 league starts for Harriers.

He has verbally agreed a new deal with Kidderminster but has not signed it yet, and he wants to come to Oxford, feeling they have much more potential and ambition for success than Harriers, who have had a mass of cost-cutting sales.

Barnes-Homer said a lot of clubs were chasing him.

“I'm weighing up my options at the moment,” he said. “There's been a lot of interest in me because I had a good season last year.

“I know I'm lucky to have options because there's a lot of players out of contract.

“I am happy to be patient and take the deal which is best for me.”

Wilder is also looking to sign a central defender.

“I definitely want two, possibly three, players in. I’m looking for cover at centre half and want to bring another centre forward in,” he said.

“I’m hopeful in something happening soon. I’ve made inquiries about a centre half and with a decision on one for a year’s loan.”

If Wilder is able to land all three targets it would take his squad to 20, which he feels would be big enough for the new campaign.